Accessibility report on the customer service standard

Within in the disability community, there is a large discussion around how many organizations are not in compliance with the AODA customer service standard.  I thought I would review each of the questions to help you ensure you are in compliance.  Here is the beginning.  Please let me know how far in compliance you are.

Question five:   Does your organization permit people with disabilities to enter the parts of your premises that are open to the public or other third parties with their support person, and provide notice of any fee charged for the support person and is this included in your policies, practices and procedures?

What does it look like for you to check yes to this question??

This question ensures that when the need arises there are policies, practices and procedures in place

that fees for the support person are waived.  This means that people with disabilities would be allowed

to be accompanied by a support person when on parts of your premises that are open to the public or other third parties. 

As well as the over-arching policy, there is anecdotal evidence that support person are permitted .  There also need to be no complaints to the contrary and a copy of the specific policy outlining the practices and procedures related to support persons. 

Is there anything else that could be done to ensure that a company can check YES to this fifth question. 

If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-579-1035 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca or visit www.accessibilitycompliance.ca